Lies we tell ourselves : the psychology of self-deception

Document Type

Monograph

Publication Date

1-1-2014

Publisher

Insight Publishing

Publisher Location

Sevierville, Tennessee

First page number:

1

Last page number:

48

Abstract

Humans are excellent liars. We don't like to think of ourselves as capable of lying; it hurts us too much to admit. So we lie to ourselves about that, too. As a clinical psychologist, I am regularly confronted with the brutal truth that we all lie. I am not talking about deliberate, bold-faced lying. No, this type of dishonesty is far harder to detect and admit. It is the kind of lying that comes from not being psychologically strong enough to be honest with ourselves about who we are. And I believe that it is our biggest obstacle to living a fulfilling life. I wrote this book for anyone interested in becoming more honest. In it, I present a range of self-deceptive examples couched in psychological theory to help us explore ourselves. Although it is a relatively short book--indended to be read in about an hour--I hope that the content provokes deep thought. For only when are honest about who we really are do we have the opportunity to change

Keywords

Self deception and lying; The making of a liar; How and why we self deceive; The cost of self deception; Choosing honesty; Self awareness; Using our relationships; Choice and responsibility; Act now; Find a great therapist

Language

English


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